The LNP will support Queensland Small and Family Businesses with a new pilot program to cover up to half the wages of their apprentices and stop skyrocketing skill shortages overseen by Labor.
The LNP’s plan will cover 50% of apprentice wages for first and second year apprentices, and 25% of the wages for third and fourth year apprentices, during training block periods of four weeks, twice a year.
The pilot program will initially focus on construction trade apprentices and be open to the first 2,000 apprentices employed by small and family businesses.
Shadow Training and Employment Minister Brent Mickelberg said the $19 million initiative would provide financial support, simplify regulatory requirements, and make it easier to secure apprentices.
“Queensland is in the middle of a skilled worker shortage crisis, and we must do better when it comes to training and supporting our students, apprentices and trainees,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“Queensland small and family businesses are desperate for skilled tradies, and this program will help clear the blockages so they can hire young workers and share their skills and knowledge with them.
“After Labor’s decade of neglect, small businesses find it too expensive and difficult to hire apprentices in the blocks of training required for their qualifications – so the LNP is removing those obstacles.”
LNP Candidate for Bundaberg Bree Watson said her community would benefit from the LNP’s commitment to small and family businesses.
“Bundy small businesses are doing it tough and providing assistance to employ and train apprentices will help boost skilled tradies in the construction industry,” she said.
“With rising costs and thinning margins, small businesses are finding it challenging to take on apprentices, but our program will give them the confidence to be able to.”
Mr Mickelberg said Labor missed their apprenticeship completion target over the last nine years by 17,600.
“That’s 17,600 tradies and skilled workers that we don’t have in Queensland because of Labor,” he said.
“This Saturday we can deliver a Fresh Start for Queensland, by voting 1 LNP.
“Only by voting 1 LNP will Queenslanders get a Fresh Start and the support small business needs.
“Labor and Tom Smith are desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same under Labor.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”